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Money - 16+
Thinking about staying on in full time education but worried about money?
Then read on to find out about some of the sources of funding available, or you can download the Financial Help leaflet (but it's quite a long one!).
Education Maintenance Allowance
An EMA is a weekly allowance of between £10 - £30 paid to students who are in full-time further education at school or college. It is paid to those whose family income is below £30,810 per year (tax year 2007/08).
As part of the scheme students must sign a learning agreement and keep up their attendance and work record. If the agreement is not kept, the allowance may not be paid.
EMA is also available for people who start in Entry to Employment (E2E) or as a Programme Led Apprentice, again if your family income is below £30,810 a year.
Click on the EMA website link here to find out more or ask at your local Connexions Centre.
Learner Support Funds
These are available to students who need some extra help towards the cost of studying. This can include paying for books, equipment, transport and childcare costs.
You apply through your Student Support or Welfare Office at college or, if you are at school, through your Local Authority.
Transport
You may be eligible for free or subsidised transport for your post-16 education if you meet a number of criteria. You can find out more about these from your school or college.
If you do not qualify and need transport you will have to pay a fee per term for subsidised transport.
Students with disabilities
If you need additional support or equipment because of a disability and/or learning difficulties then you may be able to get extra help from your school or college. Your personal adviser will be able to help you find out what is available.
Help with the cost of childcare
If you are under 19 and a parent you can get help with your childcare costs if you want to go on a course or start training. The Care to Learn scheme can help towards the cost of using registered child care.
You can find out more on the Money for Young Parents page or follow the link here to the Care to Learn website.
Specialist courses
If you want to do a really specialist course (at level 3 / advanced level) which is not available in your local area, you can apply for help from the Residential Bursary Scheme.
Find out more from your school or personal adviser.
Local charities and grants
There are many charities which award small grants to students from their local area. These may be funds to help with the costs of books and equipment or even additional activities such as travel. You can find out whether there are any relevant schemes in your area from your local library or Connexions Centre.
Child Benefit
Child benefit continues to be paid to the families of students who remain in full-time further education up to the age of 19.
